Science 8

Mrs. Graves

Class Guidelines2011-2012

Students are expected to:

  1. be prepared for each class period.

BRING THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS TO CLASS EACH DAY:

  1. Binder with paper AND 3-Section spiralnotebook.
  2. Black or blue pens, pencils and small sharpener, eraser,

scissors, glue stick, and set of colored pencils.

  1. Calculator and metric ruler.
  2. Index cards (white, lined or unlined, size 4” x 6”).
  3. Student Handbook/Planner AND Accelerated Reader Book

**please see me if you need assistance acquiring these materials

  1. be seated and ready to work when the bell rings at the beginning of the period, follow class rules posted in the classroom, and follow all directions given by the teacher.
  1. pay close attention during class discussions. Taking good notes, participating and remaining focused during the class period will increase chances of success.
  1. ask questions!! You are responsible for your learning. I will be more than happy to assist you but getting help starts with you asking a question.
  1. put forth your best effort. This not only applies to class work but homework and test preparation as well. This course will be challenging! If you want to succeed, you must work at it!!
  1. not bring any food, drink, candy, or gum into class at any time. This includes the trash from any of these items as well.
Course Work

Students will be completing assessments throughout the year to demonstrate that they have mastered the State of California Science Content Standards. These standards are printed in the science textbook or can be found online at:

  1. All work will be written legibly with complete sentences, proper grammar, and correct spelling. Labs and tests are to be done in pencil. All other assignments must be done in pen.
  2. Work will be properly labeled. This includes first and last name, the date, class period, and the name of the assignment (for textbook section reviews; page #, for worksheets; title of the worksheet).
  3. Show all work when mathematics is used. Below is an example of the proper way to show work in this class.

a)Write down what it is you know from the problem.

Example: Force = 12 NDistance = 18.5 m

b)What equation would you use to solve the problembased on the question that is asked? Example: Work = Force x Distance

c)Substitute what is given into the chosen equation.

Example:Work = 12 N x 18.5 m

d)Use a calculator to solve the equation.

e)Clearly express your answer making sure to use the correct unit measurement.

Example: Work = 222 J

  1. Please use your own words when completing work. Plagiarism of any kind will NOT be accepted.
Homework

1)You will receive homework almost every class. This includes reading, research, worksheets and completing corresponding sections from the textbook.

2)Homework will be due at the beginning of the class period. If you turn in an assignment after this class period or later in this same class session, the assignment will be considered late.

3)Late assignments will be accepted up until the next class period after the assignment was due for 50% of the total points possible. After this, the assignment will not be accepted and will be scored as a zero.

4)In the case of an excused absence, you will have one class period for each day you were absent to get your work turned in for full credit. For example, if you were gone for 2 classes, you will have the 2 following class sessions to have the work into me for credit, but be careful, it’s easy to fall behind!

Make-Ups

Homework & Classwork

  • When you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you have missed and arrange any necessary make-ups with the teacher. Any assigned hand-outs will be placed in the absence tub with your name on it. Otherwise you can do one (or all) of the following:
  • arrange with another student to get your work when you are absent.
  • ask me for the assignments the day you come back from your absence.
  • go to my class website
  • You have the same amount of days you were absent to turn in the missed work. After this, the missed work will be considered late.
  • It is your responsibility to get any class notes from another student.

Labs

  • When you are absent during a laboratory investigation, you will be given an alternate assignment, unless the lab can be easily made up. Lab make-up will be made available on a one-time only basis at a designated day and time. See me for date and time.

Tests

  • Test make-up will be arranged with me based on the amount of science work that was missed due to absence. Students absent on the day of the test only will take the test the day they return to class.

If make-ups are not completed within the allotted time, you will receive a zero on the particular assignment(s). Exceptions will be made for extended absences ONLY.

Grading Criteria
Academic
  1. Your academic grade is based on the following criteria:
  1. Chapter tests (50%)
  2. Quizzes (25%)
  3. Assignments including Labs, Homework, Projects, etc. (25%)
  1. There will be extra credit questions on each test. There will be no other extra credit!
  1. The academic grade will be based on the following scale:

A+100%+ - 97.5%

A97.4% - 92.5%

A-92.4% - 89.5%

B+89.4% - 87.5%

B87.4% - 82.5%

B-82.4% - 79.5%

C+79.4% - 77.5%

C77.4% - 72.5%

C-72.4% - 69.5%

D+69.4% - 67.5%

D67.4% - 62.5%

D-62.4% - 58.5%

F58.4% - 0%

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT GRADES ARE EARNED, NOT GIVEN!

Work Habits
  1. The work habits mark is based on the accuracy and completion of all assignments (labs, homework, projects, etc.). Assignments that are turned in late or incomplete will affect the work habits mark.
  1. The following scale will be used to determine a students work habit mark:

(O)utstanding85% on accuracy of assignments

(S)atisfactory70% on accuracy of assignments

(N)eeds Improvement60% on accuracy of assignments

(U)nsatisfactoryless than 60% on accuracy of assignments

Citizenship
  1. The citizenship mark is based on a student’s behavior in class. Students will receive a check each time one of the following citizenship criteria occurs;
  1. Tardy to class.
  2. Not prepared for class.
  3. Not on task or disrespectful to other students or substitutes.
  4. Having gum, food, candy, or drink in class.
  5. Excessive talking.
  6. Improper clean up of lab station.
  7. Inability to follow directions.
  8. Having a cell phone that disrupts class.
  1. The following scale will be used to determine a students citizenship mark:

(O)utstanding0 – 2 checks with no detentions

(S)atisfactory3 – 4 checks

(N)eeds Improvement5 – 6 checks

(U)nsatisfactory7 or more checks

Science with Honors Requirements

Science with Honors challenges students to independently go beyond the required course content. For a student to be recognized at the Awards Ceremony, they must complete the following criteria;

  1. Student must maintain a minimum grade in science of an A-, an “O” in work habits, and an “S” or “O” in citizenship through the first three quarters.
  2. Student must complete a letter of intent. This form can be picked up from their science teacher and must be turned in to their science teacher by the designated deadline.

Students must complete either of the following criteria.

  1. Student must complete (a) a position paper on a pre-approved topic of the student’s choice. In addition to the position paper, the student must (b) read and complete a summary report on a book in the field of non-fiction science. Both must be completed by the designated deadlines.

-or-

  1. Student must complete and enter a science fair project into the Ventura County Science Fair.

Notes from the Teacher:

Science is an exciting adventure, and learning science is both a process and a journey. With opportunity, guidance, and hard work, I believe that all students can succeed in science class, and I’m excited to support each of you as you strive for success.

Classroom time will include a combination of inquiry-based, differentiated instruction, and traditional lecture and lab. Concepts will be taught using multiple modalities, including visual, auditory and kinesthetic, to offer a variety of opportunities to understand the content. Please do not hesitate to ask me for help, whether you need clarification on a concept, assistance with study and organization skills, or just need someone to listen.

I will be available multiple days of the week during lunch and after school to answer questions or explain confusing concepts. Please arrange an appointment in advance and get a lunch pass so that I am sure to be in my room and lunch duty staff will allow you to come to my room.

If you have any questions or concerns throughout the year, please feel free to call me at (818) 707-7922, or e-mail me at . Information can also be found on my classroom webpage at Be sure to check the online grade book at least once a week.

I’m looking forward to a fantastic year!

Mrs. Graves

Please sign the attached “Student Contract.”

Return the contract page only at our next class.

Keep the Class Guidelines & Lab Safety Rules in your 3-ring binder for future reference.

LABORATORY SAFETY RULES

1.Wear proper eye protection at all times during laboratory activity. Know the location of the eye wash equipment (in this case, the sink).

2.Confine or securely tie hair that reaches to shoulders. Remember, hair is very flammable! Avoid loose, flowing clothing and open toe shoes on lab days.

3.Do only the assigned experiments and in the manner prescribed. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited.

  1. Avoid inhaling chemical fumes, use the “fanning” technique to smell substances when necessary; avoid filling pipettes by using your mouth; consider ALL chemicals dangerous unless they are known to be otherwise.
  2. Do NOT eat, drink, or chew gum in the laboratory. Dangerous chemicals may get in your mouth! Never taste anything in the laboratory unless specifically instructed to do so by your teacher. No materials are ever to be taken from the laboratory.
  3. Never point the open end of a test tube being heated at yourself or others.
  4. Never engage in horseplay or practical jokes.
  5. Notify the teacher immediately of any spills on the floor or your clothing.
  6. Know the locations of the fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and eyewash.
  7. The teacher is to be notified immediately in case of an accident; no matter how trivial it may appear.
  8. Do not use the sink to discard matches, filter paper, insoluble solids, or other chemicals. Use the waste jars that are provided.
  9. Do not return chemicals to their original containers unless you are specifically instructed to do so.
  10. Always make certain that gas jets, hot plates and Bunsen burners are turned off completely at the end of a lab.

14. When the teacher is speaking to the class: STOP, LOOK UP, and LISTEN.

STUDENT CONTRACT

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) urges that students be required to review and sign a “contract” that defines acceptable behavior in a school science setting. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO MAKE THE STUDENT AWARE OF HIS/HER RESPONSIBILITY FOR LABORATORY SAFETY. Students should realize the implications of improper behavior, which can lead to unsafe situations in the classroom.

I WILL:

  • Follow all instructions given by the teacher.
  • Be aware of the Laboratory Safety Guidelines and follow the guidelines as instructed.
  • Carry out good housekeeping practices.
  • Know where to get help fast.
  • Think before I act and conduct myself in a responsible manner at all times.

I, ______have read and agree to follow the safety

(print student name)

regulations set forth above and on this contract. I will closely follow the oral or written instructions provided by the teacher and/or the school administration.

______

DATESTUDENT SIGNATURE

I have read and I understand what is expected of my son/daughter in Ms. Graves’ Science Class.

Student Name (printed) Period

Student Signature

Parent Name (printed)

Parent Signature